White Papers

The Cardiovascular PACS RFP

Developing a cardiovascular Picture Archiving and Communications System (CPACS) Request for Proposal (RFP) is similar to efforts for radiology with the exception that cardiology can be far more extensive in terms of requirements. The purpose of any RFP is to secure consensus of the requirements for a system acquisition, and to solicit responses from vendors to determine who best meets those requirements.

Defining the RFP

I have found in my experience that there is a wide variation in the RFP process, and that it can be a daunting process for any organization. After all, most documents tend to follow similar outlines and content, and can result in multi-inch binder responses from the vendors. Who, in their right mind has the time to thoroughly review one of these documents, let alone multiple vendor responses! Ideally though, if one takes the time to prepare an extensive requirements document, and the vendor takes time to thoroughly respond to it, then shouldn’t the facility take the time to review the responses? After all, what is the point of the process if its objective is to aid in the selection of a vendor?

Your road to a successful EMR implementation requires careful planning and execution of many events over many months (or years). One of the most important set of events early on, is the development of eight key strategies. They include:

• Software Rollout
• Site Rollout
• Communication
• Hardware
• Change Leadership/Go-Live Readiness
• Scanning and Data Pre-Population
• Training
• Support

For your EMR drive, consider this illustration. Your goals/objectives are the hub, your strategies are the spokes that provide the stability, and your plans/ programs are the tires that smooth the ride. While the road at times can be bumpy, with well-defined strategies supporting your goals and driving your plans, you’ll have sound wheels that will ease your journey and increase your chances of successfully arriving at your destination.

Beacon Partners was commissioned by Agfa HealthCare (Agfa) and underwritten by a grant from the EMC Corporation to evaluate the Agfa IMPAX® Data Center™ solution integrated with an EMC Information Infrastructure and its direct correlation to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) incentives. In this white paper, we will present our findings of the solution’s ability to assist healthcare organizations in achieving meaningful use, thus taking advantage of economic incentives available.

This four-part series examines the ways that wireless technology and mobile communications can enhance the efficiency and quality of institutional healthcare, improving the processes through which doctors, nurses, specialists and support staff members deliver medical treatment.

Part Two takes a closer look at popular communication devices and considers their usefulness and effectiveness within healthcare facilities.

This four-part series examines the ways that wireless technology and mobile communications can enhance the efficiency and quality of institutional healthcare, improving the processes through which doctors, nurses, specialists and support staff members deliver medical treatment.

Part One offers an overview of the current healthcare situation and suggests ways in which wireless technology solutions address healthcare challenges.